2025 FATHER GRIMES NATIONAL SCHOOLS TEAM CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP: The Legacy Continues, Champions Bound for the USA 🇺🇸
The 2025 Father Grimes National Schools Team Chess Championship, Uganda’s largest and most prestigious inter-school chess competition, was successfully held from May 4th to 8th at Our Lady of Africa – Namilyango (OLAN) in Seeta, Mukono District. This year’s tournament carried exceptional historical weight as it was the first edition held in memory of the late Rev. Father Damian Grimes, who passed away on September 4th 2024. The event was more than a competition — it was a celebration of foresight, discipline, and the enduring legacy of a man who transformed Uganda’s chess.
A British missionary, educator, and visionary, Fr. Damian Grimes introduced chess to Ugandan schools in the 1980s during his tenure as Headmaster of Namasagali College. His belief in using chess to foster discipline, critical thinking, and holistic development laid the foundation for what is now a national educational movement.
Over 25 editions later, the tournament that bears his name continues to shape young minds. In recognition of his service, Fr. Grimes received an MBE (Member of the British Empire) and in 2020, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Uganda Chess Federation. He was laid to rest in Uganda in 2024 — a symbolic act honoring his deep commitment to the nation. Today, his resting place is destined to become a site of pilgrimage for chess players across Africa.
This year’s edition saw record-breaking participation with 226 school teams and 1,083 students—a sharp rise from 2024’s 138 teams and 783 players. Participants competed across four main categories:
- Secondary Open: 487 players
- Secondary Girls: 264 players
- Primary Open: 214 players
- Primary Girls: 118 players
The 2025 theme, “Planning and Foresight,” captured the strategic spirit of chess and the educational vision of Father Grimes. Representing 70 districts across Uganda, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Mitooma, Gulu, Hoima, and more, the event reinforced the national reach and unity that chess fosters.
The 2025 Father Grimes National Schools Chess Championship culminated in intense, high-stakes competition across all categories, as schools from every region of Uganda battled for national supremacy on the 64 squares.The Secondary Open category saw a historic shake-up. St. Henry’s College Kitovu stormed to victory, ending the reign of defending champions St. Mary’s College Kisubi, who settled for second despite a spirited performance. Caltec Academy Makerere secured a hard-fought third place, with games in this category marked by psychological battles, deep calculations, and last-minute turnarounds that had coaches and fans holding their breath.
In the Secondary Girls section, St. Andre Kaggwa Gombe High School defended their title with poise and purpose, capturing the championship for the third consecutive year. Their rivals, Wampeewo Ntakke an Gayaza High School, battled relentlessly for the remaining top spots, demonstrating the growing depth and competitiveness in girls’ chess across the country. Every round in this section was a display of tactical sharpness, and nerves of steel, showing just how far the standard of school chess has risen in Uganda.
In the Primary Open section, Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School A emerged as the undisputed champions, narrowly edging out their counterparts Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School B, in a tense internal rivalry that kept spectators on edge. Peak Primary School clinched third place, proving their consistency as a formidable force among Uganda’s top young contenders.
In the Primary Girls category, the competition was equally fierce. Holistic Junior School Mitooma delivered a brilliant performance to seize the national title, backed by disciplined teamwork and resilience across all boards. Kids Pioneer Primary School pushed hard to secure second place, while Peak Primary School Bethel rounded out the podium with sharp tactical play that kept their opponents under constant pressure.
These top-performing schools are now set to represent Uganda at the 2025 World Schools Team Chess Championship in Chicago, USA, scheduled from July 10–20, 2025, marking Uganda’s growing presence on the global chess stage.
More about the World Schools 2025 here
The tournament was graced by Grandmaster Timur Gareyev, the “Blindfold King,” as the Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony. GM Gareyev, who holds the Guinness World Record for 48 simultaneous blindfold games, delivered a rousing speech urging young players to analyze their games, cultivate resilience, and unlock their mental potential.
He also engaged with students, took photos, and left a lasting impression, proving that global chess greatness can inspire local excellence.
Some players stunned the crowd with perfect 9/9 scores, earning the respect and attention of national selectors. In the Secondary Open category, Pido Edwin of St. Mary’s College Kisubi delivered a flawless performance on Board 1, while Kyagambiddwa Abel from Namilyango College made his mark on Board 2. In the Secondary Girls section, Mubiru Janelle from Uganda Martyrs SS achieved a perfect 9/9, showcasing outstanding consistency. The Primary Girls section was equally impressive: Namiganda Patience Abigail of Kids Pioneer Primary School Wakiso scored 9/9, as did Iculet Chanelle Manuela Okurut from Peak Primary School Bethel, Kampala (Board 2), Katusiime Esther (Board 3), and Kobutungi Janet (Board 4), both from Holistic Junior School Mitooma. These performances underscore the technical strength, composure, and mental resilience that Uganda is steadily cultivating at the grassroots level.
With its increasing regional representation and growing female participation, Uganda’s chess scene is more inclusive and competitive than ever. Thanks to champions like Fr. Grimes, chess is now recognized among Uganda’s top 10 sports federations, and the Ministry of Education has begun integrating it into the national curriculum.
The Uganda Chess Federation, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Mwaka, remains committed to building a chess culture rooted in discipline, strategic planning, and intellectual growth.
NOTE: Not all the champions are eligible for USA. Only those who met the requirements U18 and U12
Credit: Samuel Were (Uganda Chess Federation)
Photo: Credit Ivan Mukuye
